Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

An easy recipe for Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers awaits you! This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of spinach and ricotta, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. With vibrant colors and a satisfying taste, these stuffed peppers can easily be adapted to suit any occasion, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with spinach and ricotta, these vegetarian stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients.
• Quick and easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: You can customize the stuffing with your favorite vegetables or add different spices to suit your taste.
• Great for meal prep: These stuffed peppers store well in the fridge, making them an excellent option for meal prepping.
• Colorful presentation: The vibrant colors of bell peppers make this dish visually appealing, perfect for impressing your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing your vegetarian stuffed peppers smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Fine mesh strainer
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Essential for roasting the peppers evenly while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Fine mesh strainer: Helps drain excess moisture from the spinach, ensuring your filling remains rich and delicious.

Ingredients

An easy vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe with spinach and ricotta. This low carb version of my favorite spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe also makes a great meal prep recipe!

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt, (to taste)
• Black pepper, (to taste)
• 2 cups spinach
• 4 cloves of garlic, (minced)
• 1/2 yellow onion, (chopped)
• 25 ounces ricotta cheese, (drained)
• 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
• 1 lemon, (zest)

For the Peppers

• 4 bell peppers, (sliced in half lengthwise)
• Parmesan cheese, (to taste)

How to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your vegetarian stuffed peppers will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Add cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to a 9 x 11 inch oven-safe baking dish. Toss them together to combine. Place sliced bell peppers in the pan cut-side up and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

While the tomatoes and peppers are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté spinach, garlic, and onions until the spinach has wilted. Drain well using a fine mesh strainer then set aside in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In the mixing bowl with drained spinach, add ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, egg, fresh basil, and lemon zest. Mix everything until fully combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Remove the partially baked peppers from the oven. Generously stuff each pepper with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Top each one with about half a tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake Again

Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to bake them too long; otherwise they may become watery inside!

Enjoy your deliciously healthy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers!

How to Serve Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty dinner, these stuffed peppers fit the bill. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette pairs nicely with the stuffed peppers.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the softness of the peppers.
• Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and lemon adds an extra layer of flavor.

Add a Side of Grains

• Brown Rice: Serve your stuffed peppers on a bed of brown rice for a filling meal.
• Couscous: Fluffy couscous flavored with lemon zest makes for a refreshing side.
• Barley Salad: A nutty barley salad with vegetables enhances the overall texture and taste.

Top with Sauces

• Marinara Sauce: Drizzle warm marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers for added moisture and flavor.
• Pesto Drizzle: A light touch of basil pesto brings out the freshness of the ingredients.

Serve as Appetizers

• Mini Peppers: Use small bell peppers for individual servings, perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Stuffed Pepper Skewers: Cut them into bites, thread onto skewers, and serve as an elegant appetizer.

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How to Perfect Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

To achieve the best results with your vegetarian stuffed peppers, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing.

• Choose Colorful Peppers: Using red, yellow, and orange bell peppers adds visual appeal and sweetness to your dish.
• Drain Spinach Well: Make sure to remove excess moisture from the spinach to prevent watery stuffing.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they bring out the flavors in your filling.
• Pre-Bake Peppers: Slightly baking the bell peppers before stuffing helps soften them and enhances their flavor.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add different vegetables or grains to customize your stuffing mixture according to your tastes.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve your stuffed peppers right after baking while they are hot.

Best Side Dishes for Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Pairing side dishes with vegetarian stuffed peppers can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any sauce served alongside the peppers.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a healthy balance to rich stuffed peppers.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrast to the softness of the stuffed peppers.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast that brightens up the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stuffing peppers can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish.

• Ignoring the cooking time. Baking the peppers for too long can make them mushy and watery. Keep an eye on them to ensure they maintain their structure.
• Not seasoning properly. Failing to season the ricotta mixture can lead to bland stuffed peppers. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before filling the peppers.
• Overstuffing the peppers. Stuffing too much filling into each pepper can cause them to burst during baking. Fill them generously but avoid overfilling.
• Using raw peppers. Cooking the peppers beforehand helps soften them, enhancing their flavor and texture. Bake them briefly before stuffing for better results.
• Skipping the cheese topping. Omitting cheese on top can lead to a less appealing look and flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a delicious finishing touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover vegetarian stuffed peppers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

• Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place one pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, covering it to steam the peppers until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making vegetarian stuffed peppers, this section may help clarify your doubts.

Can I use other vegetables in vegetarian stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can customize your filling with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to enhance flavor and texture.

How do I make vegetarian stuffed peppers gluten-free?

Simply ensure that any added ingredients like sauces are gluten-free. The recipe as presented is naturally gluten-free since it uses no bread products.

What side dishes pair well with vegetarian stuffed peppers?

Pair these delicious stuffed peppers with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Can I prepare vegetarian stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.

Are these vegetarian stuffed peppers healthy?

Yes! They are low in carbs while being rich in protein from ricotta cheese and packed with nutrients from spinach and bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

Vegetarian stuffed peppers are not only tasty but also versatile. You can easily customize them based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or meal prepping for the week, they are sure to delight everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy experimenting with different fillings!